Our last minute family weekend getaway for under $500 - Part I: The decision

After going back and forth for several weeks about a getaway for the long July 4th weekend, we decided not to go for a number of reasons: we're trying to keep our costs low so that I can work as little as possible, too many travelers out during the same weekend, and so on.

My husband, on the other hand, sent me a message from work on Friday morning, July 1st asking me to reconsider getting away for the weekend.  I promptly reminded him of the many reasons we had previously decided not to go and besides, this is the last possible minute to plan this--with two very young kids no less!


However, I happened to catch the forecast around my state for that weekend, and Saturday's forecast was predicted to come close to or even reach 120 degrees. I really wish I was joking but the high did reach 118 in my area--or so I'm told. 

Anyway, I discovered then that it would be a long hot weekend and we would likely be stuck inside due to the heat with two kids, one of which would absolutely be bouncing off the walls, as we had already been stuck inside for much of the week due to temps between 109-111 degrees.  It was then that I had an epiphany:  We needed a weekend away.  It was no longer a luxury, it was now a necessity.

Funny thing is, I had this revelation on Friday, July 1st at around noon.  I decided to text my dear one and let him know about the weekend's blazing heat and the likely prospect of how we would be spending it stuck inside with the kids.  I finally had to ask: "Is it too late for to reconsider a weekend trip to California?"

It took 0.001 second for the response: "Find a hotel." Before 3:00 p.m. I had already booked the hotel and started packing! The plan was to leave Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. as Southern California is only about a five to five and a half hours drive from where we live. 

On Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. I was suddenly hit with fear and doubt.  What happened to my spontaneous old self? Oh yeah--disappeared with childbirth.  Suddenly I'm reeling: What about this? Oh and what about that?  Fortunately, my husband was the voice of reason and after reassuring me for about forty minutes that all would be fine, we started getting dressed. 

Arizona desert

We didn't leave until about 9:45 a.m. and by then the stifling heat was already making its presence known.  The temperature was around 94 degrees.   As we made our way out of the city limits I suddenly felt relaxed.  I knew we had made the right decision.

By noon, we had stopped to refuel and grab a bite to eat.  It was so oppressively hot in the car with the air on that we just couldn't stop for long. I checked the temp and it was already 111 degrees outside!  The sign welcoming us to California was a welcomed sight indeed.  

A most welcome sight!

We did eventually make it to the hotel at around 3:00 p.m., just in time for check in. Of course, in the interest of saving money, we did not stay at a five star hotel. We opted for a modest three star that was actually quite nice.  Yes, this weekend getaway, as last minute as it was, was a really good idea. 

Courtyard at hotel

In part II I'll tell you what we did and how we kept costs under $500.  I'll also provide tips on how you can save money on your next vacation. Stay tuned!